man suffering from teeth grindingDo you struggle with a headache from your teeth grinding? You wake up with soreness in your jaw and a painful headache? Teeth grinding in sleep is not uncommon, but this condition, known as bruxism, can be properly treated. Teeth grinding is not something to ignore because grinding of the teeth damages them over time. Effective treatment options can help reduce the risks and even help stop the grinding from occurring. At Lovett Dental Gulfgate in Texas, we can offer those solutions to you.

What Is Teeth Grinding and Why Does It Happen?

Bruxism happens for various reasons. It occurs when a person clenches or grinds their teeth together. This is often done unconsciously when a person is awake. However, teeth grinding in sleep is also common and considered a sleep-related disorder. That is, those who have this condition at night are likely to have other sleep problems, including sleep apnea.

The causes of grinding of teeth are not always understood. However, in some situations, it is believed that anxiety or stress can trigger these episodes. You may have a teeth grinding headache or other pain due to grinding of teeth at night. Your headache may be due to sleep apnea as well.

What Are the Symptoms of Bruxism?

Teeth grinding can be hard to notice because it is something people do without thinking about it. However, paying attention to when grinding of teeth is occurring can help you know when to get help. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Clenching your teeth so loud that you wake someone else up
  • Damaged teeth include chipped or loose teeth
  • Tight jaw muscles or locked jaw where the mouth does not open fully
  • Worn tooth enamel causing early decay
  • Teeth grinding headache when waking up
  • Teeth grinding in sleep often leads to waking up numerous times

What Can Be Done About Teeth Grinding?

We’ll provide a full exam to determine what could be happening and what type of damage is present due to grinding of teeth. Our goal will often be to determine what the underlying cause is, if possible. For example, you may need a dental appliance that is positioned in your mouth to help minimize sleep apnea conditions. Some people may need more advanced care for sleep apnea, for which a doctor may be the best choice.

For others, bruxism may benefit from stress relief. If you cannot minimize your stress or anxiety, it is helpful to use a device placed in your mouth to keep the teeth from grinding on each other. While this may not stop you from the process of grinding, it does minimize the amount and type of damage you may do to your teeth.

Finding the Right Solution for Your Dental Needs

At Lovett Dental Gulfgate in Texas, our team can offer insight into teeth grinding during your appointment with us. We may recommend additional steps based on your overall care needs. Don’t put off coming in to see us for bruxism because it can cause significant damage to your teeth over time, especially if this is due to ongoing health problems.

With a full range of services, we can help to improve your smile. Learn more about:

Put Your Teeth First – Call Lovett Dental Gulfgate in Texas for an Appointment

Teeth grinding is not something to disregard, and we can offer solutions for grinding of teeth. Bruxism doesn’t have to interfere with the quality of your life. If you have a teeth grinding headache each morning, let our professionals help you determine the best treatments possible. To learn more about solutions for teeth grinding in sleep or during the day, give Lovett Dental Gulfgate a call at 713-847-8822 or reach out to us online now.